French President Emmanuel Macron awarded honorary doctorate

Emmanuel Macron with Axel Mecklinger, Patricia Oster-Stierle and Ludger Santen
© Oliver DietzeEmmanuel Macron with (from left) Axel Mecklinger (Dean of the Faculty of Human and Business Sciences), Patricia Oster-Stierle (Professor of French Literature) and Ludger Santen (University President)

French President Emmanuel Macron was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Human and Business Sciences at Saarland University in recognition of his exceptional contributions to European higher education and to scientific and academic cooperation in Europe. The award ceremony took place in Saarbrücken on 3 October 2025 as part of the German Unity Day celebrations.

In its official statement, the university describes the French head of state as a 'political trailblazer whose ideas and initiatives have laid the groundwork for a new generation of European universities'. French President Emmanuel Macron has played a pivotal role in shaping European science and higher education policies.

University press release

President Macron's acceptance speech (YouTube)

Transcript of President Macron's acceptance speech (PDF)